2. digital
  3. 131145-2238

How much can I improve on my old SACD player?

Hi everyone,

Some quick background:  I got back into the audiophile hobby a few years back.  I compared an Oppo 105 and a Marantz SA8004 and preferred the smoother sound of the Marantz.  Shortly thereafter I tried my first turntable and was hooked in vinyl. The Marantz has been in a storage closet every since.  Over the last 2-3 years I've been exploring vinyl, upgrading my components, and improving things like room treatments, vibration control, and power conditioning.  I have things pretty well sorted.  In order to burn in some new cables recently, I called my Marantz into service for the first time in years.  

I was pleasantly surprised that it was quite listenable, and well recorded redbook and SACDs sounded pretty engaging.  There is still a somewhat dry treble and many sibilants sound artificial.  However, I started thinking about how much better it might sound with a better DAC (tube, perhaps).  I've never explored external DACs.  I don't want to spend too much as vinyl will still be my main focus.  I don't know anything about music servers, streaming, or computer audio.  Was just thinking of running my CD player through a better DAC (I realize SACD can't be run through an outboard DAC).  I was thinking of something lie the TEAC UD-503 - users describe it as smooth and laid back, it plays all formats through 11.2Mhz DSD and has a nice headphone amp.  Musical Paradise has a very nice looking tube DAC as well.  

Any thoughts on how to upgrade the digital sound without breaking the bank would be greatly appreciated.  

Thanks so much,Scott
smrex13
randy-11
1,913 posts
 
try the Teac - it is well regarded

others include Gustard, Oppo
smrex13 OP
423 posts
 
Jeff, yes, I think the Marantz sound is pretty good, but there's a very obvious digital signature to it that draws my attention away from the music.  I don't want to spend another $1,000 just to find out that DACs in that price range are relatively similar in their inability to stamp out the digital artifacts that so bother me.  I guess I'll try to buy it from a place with a return policy so I can demo it.  Good luck with yours -  I hear the SA-11s1 is a nice step up from what I have.  Best, Scott
mesch
1,679 posts
 
Since you don't need USB for your player why not look for a used older DAC (~5years). Many are for sale, possessing excellent power supplies and analog output stages, and offered at a fraction of original price.  
More to discover